Many outdoor enthusiasts find it difficult to pack for a hiking trip. Each trip requires different equipment and supplies to ensure a successful hike. A variety of factors can influence the type of gear you bring along on your hike, including: type of backpack being used, the climate and current weather of your hiking location, altitude, length of the trip, difficulty of the trail and dietary needs. Each trip will have its own unique set of challenges to face, which means it will have its own unique arrangement of materials carried along. Packing the right equipment for your hiking trip can save you a lot of trouble.

Of course, since it is difficult to predict exactly what types of supplies will meet the particular circumstances of your hiking trail, it is tempting to overpack for your hike. It is important to keep your backpack reasonably light, because carrying too many things will quickly tire you out. There is nothing worse than experiencing exhaustion after carrying a heavy backpack full of things that are completely unnecessary.

The type of backpack you decide to use will have the greatest impact on how you pack for your hike. There are many types of backpacks used in hiking. Be sure to choose a type of backpack that fits the type of trip you are taking.

The two main types of backpacks are called external frame packs and internal frame packs. These two types of backpacks differ mostly in the way they sit on your back. However, there are significant differences in storage space and design of the backpacks, which it is important to know which type of backpack is best suited to your particular hiking trip.

An external frame backpack sits the weight in the pack lower on your body. The main advantage of this type of backpack is the extra ventilation and storage space that it provides. As such, this is probably the best type of backpack for carrying extremely heavy loads. Backpackers traveling for periods longer than a week are advised to use an external frame pack, simply because it better built to handle large loads.

An internal frame pack is designed to hug your body as you travel. These packs tend to be easier to carry over rough terrain, since the weight is distributed closer to your center of gravity, keeping you stabilized as you hike. These packs are much slimmer than external frame backpacks, which leaves you with more room to maneuver your arms.

An internal frame pack is ideal for most hiking trips, especially shorter hikes. Internal frame packs are easier to hike with in all types of terrains, and their lighter build is less likely to tire you out. Additionally, they are built in a way that encourages compression, making the size of your load much smaller. For these reasons internal frame packs are currently more popular than external packs.

If you decide to use an internal frame pack, be sure to pack heavier items near the middle of the pack. Doing so will ensure that heavy gear sits near your center of gravity. This greatly reduces your chances of suffering back injuries, and makes hiking a lot easier too.

If you are hiking for more than a day, you'll want to pack a sleeping bag and a tent in addition to your other materials. It is prudent to use a compression bag for your sleeping bag, as this will increase the amount of storage space available in your pack. If you use a compression bag, it should be easy to stuff the sleeping bag in the bottom of your backpack. When you pack your tent, you'll want to split it up into smaller parts instead of packing it all together. Pack your tent body and rain fly near the top of your pack, and tie the poles to the outside of the pack.

Pack your clothes into a stuff sack. This will separate them from other gear, and protect them from getting wet. You may want to check the weather forecast you pack. Even the forecast is sunny, always bring raingear.

Other important items include toilet paper, water bottles, and last but not least, delicious food (I recommend trail mix).